Shorts are hard. The last time I purchased a pair of shorts with the intention of wearing them anywhere beyond the confines of my high school's sports hall was when I was about 14 and didn’t know any better. Incidentally, shorts are hard because it’s very easy to
So I, the short sceptic, took it upon myself to do what I thought was impossible. I tried on some shorts that actually fit and can acceptably be worn out in the adult world.
1. Tie Me In Leather
*Tabby Lace Panelled Blouse, £129, Whistles; **Black Faux Leather Eyelet Lace Side Shorts, £20, Missguided *
Bit naughty, ain’t they? Leather-look with sassy little thigh ties might not be the type of short you’d wear to meet the in-laws, but they’re surprisingly comfortable and paired with a demure blouse could get you through your next Friday night quite happily.
2. New True Blue
This is the type of grown up, tailored short that I never thought I’d either find or get away with. But lo and behold, here they are. Definitely office appropriate on a rather warm day. They have pockets and everything.
3. Not A Skort
*Slim Boyfriend White Shirt With Pleat Detail Back, £25, ASOS; Cherry Print Frill Trim Shorts, £29, Topshop; *Feline Jelly Flat Sandals, £10, ASOS
Is it a skirt? Is it a skort? I just love a piece of clothing that keeps you guessing. To clarify, these are most definitely shorts. The cutest shorts in all the land, in fact. The frill cuts a little higher on the outside leg for a more interesting shape and I think this is as close as an outfit can get to ‘adorable’ beyond the age of four or five.
4. Every Girl Next Door
Corset Seam T-Shirt, £15, Topshop; Gingham Mom Shorts, £32, Topshop; Porlock Silver Tie Detail Slides, £69, Finery
No, I haven’t just stepped off the set of a generic teen rom com set in mid-west America about two neighbours who grew up as best friends, hated each other for a little bit and then realized that they were in love. But I do see why you might have thought that.
5. Avril Meets Kylie
Lace-Up Bralet, £14, Topshop; Denim Bermuda Shorts In Light Wash Blue With Rips, £30, ASOS
I definitely had a pair of shorts like these when I was going through my faux-skater days at Secondary school. Big fan of the length - above the knee but not up the bum - and let’s face it, ripped denim isn’t going anywhere. The Kardashian-Jenner style crop is a fun exchange for the ill-fitting tank tops I used to wear, though.
6. Sex And The City Me
Silk on silk on suede, my friends. I feel like such a city girl. Now that I’m a short convert I believe that everyone should have a standout, statement pair in their arsenal. And these beautiful fuschia ones are a strong contender. Also, the paper bag waist is both flattering and super forgiving of post-dinner food babies.
Like this? You might also be interested in…
The Debrief Debates: Shorts. Are They The Work Of The Devil Or God’s Gift To Legs?
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Follow Jazmin on Instagram @JazKopotsha
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.